SZ23 Glider (C-GCSY) – Epilogue

The accident flight was part of the Royal Canadian Air Cadet Gliding Program in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC, as part of the Glider Pilot Training Course. The SGS 2-33A is the only glider type in use in the Air Cadet Gliding Program and is used for all flying activities.

The winds at the time of the accident were strong and gusty, at 20 knots gusting to 28 knots, from 260 - 270 degrees magnetic.

The mission consisted of a solo flight in accordance with the Basic Glider Pilot Training Plan (Provisional). At the end of their third training mission that day, their second solo mission, the cadet student pilot joined the circuit in preparation for landing. The approach proceeded normally until the glider turned onto final for landing on grass Runway #3, which parallels asphalt Runway 29. While on short final, the glider drifted right towards parallel grass Runway #2. During the flare and upon touchdown the right wing and fuselage struck the ground on grass Runway #2. The aircraft sustained very serious damage, and the pilot received minor injuries.

The investigation did not reveal any evidence of technical issues with the aircraft and focused on human and environmental factors. Due to inexperience flying under the prevailing environmental conditions, the cadet student pilot drifted right and landed hard, right wing low. The preventive measures recommend modifications to the Air Cadet Gliding Program manual for operations in high winds and instructional staff decision-making guidance.